Final Thoughts from Our Graduating Class of Leadership and Character Scholars
The second cohort of Leadership and Character Scholars graduated from Wake Forest University on May 20, 2024. The Scholars program consists of a small group of students who are committed to developing their character during their four years at Wake Forest. As a part of the Program, Scholars receive a full scholarship to Wake Forest and participate in specially designed leadership and character development such as workshops, retreats, and personal mentoring. This year, 12 Leadership and Character Scholars graduated. Before they walked across the stage, we asked them to share their thoughts about leading with character and the nature of the good life. Here are their responses to what they have learned and found meaningful during their time on campus:
Sofia Ramirez Pedroza (’24): “I think to lead with character means to lead with compassion for others”
“The friendships that I’ve had here have been really meaningful, but I think my friendship and mentorship with Dr. Lamb has really been an invaluable experience for me. I think that I can say with confidence that that’s something that will continue throughout my life.”
Cate Pitterle (’24): “My most meaningful experience as an L&C Scholar was meeting a group of people who helped me shape my worldview and taught me what it means to live a life of character.”
Rucker Robinson (’24): To lead a good life means to live a life oriented towards a higher purpose that makes the world around you better in some way.
Austin Torain (‘24): “I think to live a good life means to be surrounded by people that you love and love you back.”
“It was something really therapeutic about being off campus with the L&C Scholars that I think really helped, bond us. The London trip or the Washington trip, all of those are really fond memories for me.”
Ani Garcia-Velez (‘24): “To lead with character means to understand the talents and capabilities of those within the group. And to inspire them to use those talents for the better flourishing of the community
that you find yourself in.
“This program has been completely transformative and one of a kind, and I think it’s so central to what Pro Humanitate really means.”